Samuel L. Jackson has delivered one of his most iconic performances as Nick Fury in the MCU over the years. His feats have made him a household name and a memorable character who has seen it all from the start. But is it time to start preparing ourselves to see someone else in his shoes? Recently after the Secret Invasion series, the director Ali Selim revealed that the show had brought a transition in the character before his upcoming appearance in The Marvels.
Although Secret Invasion promised a lot of things, the series couldn’t match everybody’s expectations. Despite not portraying Samuel L. Jackson with the savageness he deserved, the series according to its director has been successful in changing his character. But does this comment also hint that we might soon get to see a new face replacing Samuel L. Jackson and Nick Fury in the MCU?
It can’t be denied that the Pulp Fiction actor’s contribution to the role of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director has made the portrayal incomparable and one of the most significant in the world of pop culture. But the MCU has already started placing hints about characters who will be up for the role that was fulfilled by Samuel L. Jackson’s character to date. Here, we present to you 8 actors who with their respective characters can be well-fitted to take over the duty of Nick Fury:
8. Emily VanCamp- Sharon Carter
Sharon Carter played by Emily VanCamp was introduced in the MCU as the great grand-niece of Peggy Carter in Captain America 2. Her actions in Captain America: Civil War marked her as a criminal in the eyes of the government and led her on the run for many years. Lastly, when she was spotted in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series, it was shown that she had transitioned into the antagonistic Power-Broker. Although she would be the last one to take over the role of Nick Fury, it was reported that the MCU might change her character a bit due to the backlash. It hints that there might be a good chance for the MCU if they let her use the power and influence for good intentions.
7. Florence Pugh- Yelena Belova
Next in the line is Yelena Belova who was introduced in Black Widow. She was also spotted last in an antagonistic shade in the Hawkeye series. But more precisely, Yelena Belova is an antihero and going forward will play a major role in the MCU. She is set to be next seen in Thunderbolts and reportedly her character will be very interesting. If everything goes well, we might also see her someday taking over the role of Nick Fury. Although her addition is as questionable as Sharon Carter’s, following the footsteps of Natasha Romanoff, she can pull off something that the latter never could.
6. Harrison Ford- Thunderbolt Ross
As Harrison Ford leaps into the vast world of the MCU with Captain America 4 and Thunderbolts, it can be expected that Kevin Feige and his team are reportedly planning something big. Reportedly, he will be the new President of the United States in the upcoming Anthony Mackie movie and he can also be a leading figure in uniting heroes in times of great needs. His role in the government and connections with the heroes also keep his name in the front as a potential replacement for Samuel L. Jackson.
Also Read: Armor Wars Gets Major Update after Robert Downey Jr Reportedly Spotted on “Captain America 4” Set
5. Don Cheadle- James Rhodes
James Rhodes is a major name in the list as he is very strongly affiliated with the US Government. But it must be noted that the Secret Invasion revelation will play a major role in Rhodes’ character. According to the series, he was under Skrull’s captivity following the events of Captain America: Civil War and will take some time to grasp everything that took place in his absence. But the character is also receiving his own Armor Wars and if everything is fleshed out well, he can be a leading figure in uniting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Samuel L. Jackson’s fashion.
4. Anthony Mackie- Sam Wilson/Captain America
Anthony Mackie is also a leading player in the race after turning into one of the most significant characters in the current pipeline. He is presently none other than Captain America and is likely to have a major role in uniting the heroes in times of great importance. He is all set to be seen in his upcoming Captain America: A Brave New World where his relationship with the government will also be established more. The star-shield comes with great responsibilities and it can’t be denied that he is one of the most perfect people to take over Samuel L. Jackson’s character.
3. Olivia Colman- Sonya Falsworth
One of the standout aspects of the underwhelming Secret Invasion series was Olivia Colman’s flawless portrayal of Sonya Falsworth. No matter how many things went wrong in the series, her character stood there with her unbeaten charisma. At times, her character also outshone Samuel L. Jackson’s and proved to be an amazing replacement for our beloved Nick Fury. A glimpse of the character was even shown at the end of the series when she recruited Emilia Clarke’s Gi’Ah for her nation’s security. Being a significant name in the MI6 and with her celebrated political connections, she is also one of the frontrunners.
2. Daisy Ridley- Abigail Brand
The Star Wars fame has been highly rumored to be a part of the MCU for years. Earlier, she has also stated her interest in joining the superhero bandwagon as the Spider-Woman, but she would also make for an amazing Abigail Brand. The green-haired mutant is also known in the comics as the famous Commander of S.W.O.R.D. that was seen in WandaVision. Being an important part of the sub-division of S.H.I.E.L.D., the character is undoubtedly one of the most idealistic replacements for Nick Fury. She was heavily rumored to be played by Emilia Clarke in Secret Invasion. But after it is nullified now, Daisy Ridley will be an incredible name for the character who can unite the heroes, especially at times of extra-terrestrial threats.
1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus- Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
The MCU has already started setting up Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Val as a character on the lines of Nick Fury. Although her presence seems very suspicious to the fans, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever revealed that she is also the present director of the CIA which might hint that we are too quick to judge her. Following a series of minimal appearances, her character is said to be fleshed out properly in Thunderbolts. She is set to be the mastermind behind the union of these controversial superheroes in a totally different kind of team. Her intentions are not completely clear to the fans, but it can’t be denied that the MCU is shaping her up as a new version of Samuel L. Jackson’s character and her role is most likely to be far more than just Thunderbolts.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury will be seen in The Marvels which will hit the theaters on November 10, 2023.
